How to Use the Cooler Calculator
Three quick inputs give your estimate. The result updates live.
How many days the ice must last: trip, shipment or storage.
Keeping contents frozen needs more ice than just chilled.
Add each cooler in quarts. Shipping several? Add more.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last?
Dry ice doesn’t melt. It sublimates, turning from solid directly to gas. Here’s what sets the pace.
The Standard Sublimation Rate
In a typical insulated cooler or shipping box, dry ice sublimates roughly 5–10 lbs every 24 hours. That’s the widely cited baseline. Results vary with the conditions below.
What Makes Dry Ice Last Longer?
Insulation matters most. A quality hard-sided cooler can nearly double dry ice life versus a basic styrofoam box. So do ambient temperature and lid openings.
Blocks vs. Pellets: Which Lasts Longer?
Blocks have less surface area, so they sublimate more slowly. Ideal for 24–72 hour shipping or cold storage. Pellets sublimate faster, the go-to for event fog and cocktails.
How Much for a 24-Hour Shipment?
For most insulated shipping boxes, 5–10 lbs covers a standard 24-hour transit. For 48-hour shipments, double it and choose blocks. They hold temperature longer than pellets.
Know Your Amount? Let’s Fill the Order.
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